Employees are a company's most valuable asset, contributing creativity, ideas and expertise to keep a business running smoothly. Human resources performs the vital task of managing employees and overseeing their productivity, contributions and problems at work. HR projects range from assessing employees' work performance to rewarding excellent workplace contributions. Employees play a central role in HR projects, and the effects of employees on the projects vary by the nature of the projects and the individual employees.

Overview

HR projects can encompass a variety of areas, ranging from employee reviews to employee recognition programs. Other common HR projects include creating policies and handbooks and educating employees on workplace topics, such as safety, diversity and conflict resolution. HR also conducts exit surveys for employees who leave a company and handles layoff procedures and firings. The role of employees in HR projects varies by the type of project.

Performance Assessments

Most HR departments handle employee reviews, to track and gauge individual employees' progress and contributions to a company. Employees play a large role in assessment procedures because they are the subject of the assessments. Employees' responses to reviews also help HR departments determine how to make assessments more effective in the future and offer ideas on better communication strategies. For instance, if most employees respond positively by improving performance in areas highlighted in the review process, you know your company is on the right track with the way you conduct reviews. If most employees ignore assessments or respond defensively, on the other hand, your HR team will need to work on creating a more positive review process.

Employee Recognition Programs

Employees are the backbones of business, so recognizing them for exemplary work is important. HR departments often sponsor employee of the week or month campaigns or present achievement awards based on industry-specific milestones, such as exceeding sales goals. Employees have an effect on recognition programs by setting the standards for your workplace's achievement range, with most employees falling in a middle range. If employees respond favorably to recognition programs, they may become more motivated and achieve higher levels of performance, supporting the recognition program. Apathetic or uninterested employees can put a damper on recognition programs by disregarding awards or even ostracizing high achievers.

Educational Seminars

HR departments often offer educational programs to train employees on human relations matters, such as diversity and conflict resolution. Employees have a big impact on educational programs since their feedback and participation helps HR determine whether to continue offering similar training programs. Employees who do not participate or who do not heed the advice presented in training seminars make it difficult for HR to continue offering educational programs. HR departments aim for employees who actively participate and listen to programs and who follow company procedures that are presented.

About the Author

Marnie Kunz has been an award-winning writer covering fitness, pets, lifestyle, entertainment and health since 2003. Her articles have been published in "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Alive," "The Marietta Daily Journal" and other publications. Kunz holds a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from Knox College and is a Road Runners Club of America-certified running coach and a certified pole dance instructor.